Agenda - Council Work Session - 09/14/2021

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Introduction and Proposal Summary The law firm of Hofstad & Knaak, PLC, is very pleased for the opportunity to respond to the request for proposals offered by the City of Ramsey, Minnesota, for legal services. We firmly believe that our firm possesses unique qualities with its mix of qualified attorneys and considerable experience in handling challenging municipal issues for small cities in Minnesota over its forty -year history; its aggressive use of new technology, and its emphasis on its Minneapolis - St. Paul suburban roots and community experiences — all of which would make the firm an exceptionally good fit to serve the City of Ramsey as its legal counsel Using principally the talents of attorney Frederic W. ("Fritz") Knaak, we are proposing a monthly flat fee of $4250.00 for all civil matters, or a base hourly rate of $150.00 per hour for all work performed, excluding major litigation, as specified in more detail below. As a practical matter, the City of Ramsey could expect to remain a priority client of Mr. Knaak and the required work would be done almost entirely by him and his legal assistant. He would be assisted, as needed, in this service by two other experienced attorneys currently working with the firm. Annualized, this contract would be $51,000.00 per year. The use of a fixed amount in the agreement avoids "fee creep", or slow, imbedded increases and requires any future increases to be with the express agreement of the City. Firm Background and Qualifications General Background: Hofstad & Knaak PLC is a suburban, Twin Cities metropolitan area law firm, with nearly forty years of experience in dealing with the unique problems of cities and other forms of local government. In addition to the practices of principal, Frederic Knaak, are the practices of Donald Kohler, Craig Beuning and Bryce Holstad. Wayne Hofstad remains actively of -counsel to the firm. The lawyers practicing in the firm take care in assuring the firm retains its status as a full - service, suburban law practice. Its smaller size and selective client base assure the availability of lawyers when needed by staff or council members, yet it is not so large as to suffer from the inflexibility of assignments and methods that can create problems with larger firms, as well as add to high overhead costs. We are proud of the excellent relationship we have had over many years with our municipal clients, and would be singularly proud to serve as legal counsel for the City of Ramsey. The Firm's municipal practice consisted of approximately 45% of its billings in the past year. It has been and remains fully compliant with all federal and state requirements regarding civil rights, both as to its employment practices and its handling of public matters for its clients. Attorneys: 2